Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Waste Removal Catford is committed to conducting business in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement explains the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in our own operations and throughout our supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Waste Removal Catford.

Our zero-tolerance approach

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly work with any individual, organisation, or supplier involved in such practices. Our leadership team is responsible for promoting a culture where exploitation is never accepted and where ethical behaviour is an integral part of how we do business.

All staff are required to act with integrity and to comply with this policy as a condition of their employment or engagement. Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination of contract, and may also lead to reporting to the relevant authorities.

Our business and supply chains

Waste Removal Catford provides waste collection, removal, and related environmental services. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles and equipment, personal protective equipment, waste processing and recycling facilities, office supplies, and occasional agency labour. We recognise that certain areas, such as outsourced labour and international sourcing of goods, may present higher risks of modern slavery.

Supplier standards and due diligence

We expect all suppliers to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. As part of our procurement and onboarding processes, we assess potential suppliers based on their ethical standards, employment practices, and compliance with relevant legislation. We seek to work only with suppliers who can demonstrate robust policies and procedures to prevent exploitation and protect workers.

Our standard supplier terms include requirements to comply with all applicable laws on modern slavery and human trafficking. Suppliers must ensure that their own supply chains are free from forced labour and must be able to provide evidence of the steps they have taken to achieve this.

Supplier audits and monitoring

We carry out proportionate audits and reviews of selected suppliers, focusing on those assessed as higher risk. These audits may include requests for documentation, site visits where appropriate, and detailed questions on recruitment practices, working conditions, and grievance mechanisms. Where issues are identified, we expect timely corrective action and reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships with suppliers that fail to meet our standards.

We are committed to improving our monitoring processes over time by reviewing risk assessments, expanding the scope of audits, and strengthening our criteria for supplier selection.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns about modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be raised directly with line managers, senior management, or our designated compliance contact by phone, email, or in writing.

All reports will be taken seriously, treated confidentially as far as practicable, and investigated promptly. Where there is evidence of criminal activity or serious risk to individuals, we will involve the appropriate authorities. We will support anyone who, in good faith, raises a concern or provides information relating to potential modern slavery.

Training and awareness

We provide relevant staff with training and guidance on recognising signs of modern slavery, understanding our policy, and knowing how to raise concerns. Managers and employees involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management receive additional information on assessing risk and applying our standards.

We are committed to increasing awareness across our workforce so that everyone understands their role in preventing exploitation and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Continuous improvement and annual review

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by our leadership team to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and aligned with best practice and legal requirements. As part of the annual review, we evaluate our risk assessments, audit findings, training programmes, and any reported incidents to identify opportunities for improvement.

Where necessary, we will update our policies, procedures, and contractual terms, and we will refine our approach to supplier engagement and monitoring. Our objective is to continuously strengthen our defences against modern slavery and to promote fair, safe, and respectful working conditions throughout our business and supply chains.

This statement reflects Waste Removal Catford's ongoing commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships, and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking do not take place in our operations or supply chains.